Head-to-head · 2026
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina-Union
Compare average net price ($20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; $8,065 at University of South Carolina-Union), ROI score (8.70 vs 10.45), ten-year median earnings ($72,085 vs $33,699), and admissions selectivity (22.7% acceptance at Citadel Military College of South Carolina; 62.2% at University of South Carolina-Union) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. University of South Carolina-Union leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | University of South Carolina-Union |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.70 | 10.45 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,723 | $8,065 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,085 ✓ | $33,699 |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% ✓ | 62.2% |
| Graduation rate | 75% ✓ | 47.6% |
| Median debt | $21,096 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,705 | 270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1208 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Citadel Military College of South Carolina costs $12,658 more per year than University of South Carolina-Union ($20,723 vs $8,065). Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates report $38,386 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,085 vs $33,699). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Union ahead on projected ROI (10.45 vs 8.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Union) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Citadel Military College of South Carolina is selective at 22.7% acceptance versus 62.2% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Union.
Frequently asked
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs University of South Carolina-Union, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Citadel Military College of South Carolina or University of South Carolina-Union the better value?
University of South Carolina-Union has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.45 vs 8.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Union is cheaper — average net price $8,065 per year vs $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. The annual difference of $12,658 adds up to about $50,632 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,085 vs $33,699 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,386.
Which school is harder to get into?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is more selective at 22.7% acceptance vs 62.2% at University of South Carolina-Union.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Citadel Military College of South Carolina reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina-Union reports B.